Exploring page layout principles in Iranian manuscripts: A comprehensive review from Seljuk to Safavid Era

Abstract

This article explores the historical development of Iranian manuscripts and their significance as a platform for artists. The focus is on the page layout of Iranian manuscripts from Seljuk to Safavid Era, aiming to understand the evolution of book design styles. By analyzing various samples, the study reveals the presence of clear and systematic principles governing the page layout of Iranian manuscripts during these eras. The findings suggest that these historical layouts can be extracted and imitated to revive the page layout of modern books. The research employs documentary study methods to examine different sections of Iranian manuscripts, including text and image pages, table of contents pages, cover pages, title pages (Sarlouh), and beginning pages. Each section follows specific visual methods for organizing elements and combining different parts. Over time, the principles of page layout within each category have undergone changes influenced by the artistic principles of the respective era. The article specifically investigates the title (Sarlouh) and the beginning pages of a manuscript to illustrate their interplay and evolution.

Keywords

• Beginning and title (Sarlouh) pages
• Book design
• Composition
• Page layout